Abhi Kudaravalli '17

Abhi Kudaravalli will spend the 2016-17 school year as Student Student president at York College.

He's hoping to spend a lifetime in the medical field helping others.

The Biology major on the pre-medical studies track wants to go to medical school after graduation to eventually become a military physician. He's getting rescue training already by serving as Lieutenant of the nearby York Area United Volunteer Fire and Rescue. To say he's a busy student is an understatement: Abhi also has been involved with the YCP SpartaNation RoadCrew and has served as a Student Ambassador, a member of Order of Omega and as an Orientation Leader.

Job shadowing while at York College, he said, has made him even more motivated to get into his longterm career plan. "Their experiences really excite me," said Abhi, who was born in India and has spent time living in Canada before graduating from a Long Island high school.

York College has been the perfect fit, Abhi said, because of the ongoing opportunities available to students that "are big-name caliber," as well as guest speakers, internships, and more. 'We really are a hidden gem," said Abhi, who along with Student Senate is active in Kappa Delta Rho ("It's given me that family setting," he said of Greek life on campus).

The funny thing is that Abhi hadn't initially heard of York College when he first was considering schools, although York College has long had a steady stream of students from Long Island. Once he found out about the biology program, he visited campus, and that's when he knew this was the place for him.

"That's what sold me. Dr. Kaltreider (the department chair) spent so much time on me," Abhi said. "Whether it's faculty or staff, everyone is looking out for you."

Now he'll spend his senior year serving as a leader for the student body on top of his busy schedule.